Feel the Breeze!

At a time when a lot of musical outfits from the Northeast have started participating in musical reality shows, another band from Assam is making a difference on prime time television. I am talking about Northeast Breeze – a band which has gained nationwide popularity through their rocking performances in Idea Rocks India. The band consists of Rupam Bhuyan on the lead vocals, Priyanku Bordoloi (guitars), Anupam Nath on the bass, Anowar Hussain (backing vocals and keyboards), Biraj Baishya (drums) and Bidyut Bikash Bordoloi as the percussionist. The band has now managed to move into the finals of the competition, where they will battle it out with two other bands – Lambada (Pune) and Jashn (Mumbai).

Northeast Breeze was formed earlier this year by three bosom buddies– Rupam, Priyanku and Anupam. The trio was later joined by Bidyut, Biraj and Anupam. Though music was the chief element which drew these musicians together in the form of a group, they had another motive as well. And that was to bring into the limelight the various folk elements of their home State Assam, as well as the other north-eastern States.

Well, their efforts were on display for everyone to see during the initial rounds of the competition where they performed. Beautifully blending Asomiya tribal beats with popular Hindi numbers, the band quickly managed to carve a niche in the hearts of the people. The entire program was based on Bollywood numbers and as such, the band’s initiative was commendable. At a time when rock groups have mushroomed all over the region, the fact that these musicians still dared to experiment with their traditional music speaks volumes about their dedication and passion towards music.
Another noteworthy point of the band is the vocal harmonies lent by Anowar and Priyanku. The duo have been amply backed by innovations in the melody and rhythm section, resulting in the band creating a beautiful medley of Northeaster sounds catered to suit the modern day palate. “We want the people of the country to experience the real flavor of Northeastern folk music. And in order to attract the new generation, we have chosen to blend our traditional music with western beats to make it more appealing. We hope to showcase our traditional music at the international level very soon,” says keyboardist Anwar Hussain.

The Idea Rocks India auditions had been held nationwide in order to select the best bands of India. Nine bands have been finally selected from the auditions to battle it out for the winners trophy. This is the first initiative of its kind taken by Colours to promote the local rock outfits of the country and as such, they deserve appreciation for their efforts. The finals will be held in Mumbai on December 20, 2009. Voting limes will open from December 7 onwards.

In order to clinch the winners trophy, full rehearsal of the band is going on at Brahma studio in the city. Lead guitarist Priyanku says, “We are highly confident of making Assam proud by emerging as the winner in the show. But without the support of the people of the Northeast, we will not be able to translate our dreams into reality. As such, we request the support of the people of the entire region to help us with their valuable votes.”

The band has already had a number of shows booked all over the region in November and the first week of December. In the days to come, they will be performing in places like Palasbari, Rangia, Sivsagar, Tezpur, Nagaon, Guwahati, Bokajan, amongst others. Even the State Directorate of Cultural Affairs has stepped in to help the band by arranging a show for them at Pragati Maidam in New Delhi on November 21 during the International Trade Fair.